Grab your tent or RV and go camping

2of5Relaxing under moss-draped trees around Lake Raven at Huntsville State Park, 50 miles north of Houston. The park draws about 400,000 visitors annually. Photo courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife. date unknown.

3of5Winter is a great time to enjoy Lake Raven at Huntsville State Park. Bald eagle and ducks can be found on the lake. Songbirds are abundant in surrounding woodlands. Photo Credit: Kathy Adams Clark. Restricted use.Photo: Kathy Adams Clark

4of5Pileated woodpecker, a spectacular foot-long blackish bird with a red crest, are one of the great birds to be found at Huntsville State Park. Photo Credit: Kathy Adams Clark Restricted use.Photo: Kathy Adams Clark

5of5White-breasted nuthatch can be found at Huntsville State Park. Listen for their voices that sound like toy tin horns.Photo: Kathy Adams Clark

Big Thicket National Preserve: 112,250 acres of land and water with 40 miles of hiking trails in the thick pine forest. 6102 FM 420, in Kountze, 409-951-6800; nps.gov. Hours: dawn-dusk daily. Cost: free.

Sam Houston National Forest: Three developed campgrounds within the forest: Cagle and Double Lake facilities are available by reservations or on a first-come, first-served basis. Stubblefield on first-come, first-served basis only. 394 FM 1375, in New Waverly, 936-344-6205; www.fs.usda.gov/activity/texas/recreation/camping-cabins.